The position isn’t a new one for Mr. Santorum, but questions arose this week after an interview from October surfaced in which Mr. Santorum said, “One of the things I will talk about that no president has talked about before is… the dangers of contraception in this country, the whole sexual libertine idea.”

Speaking Friday in Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Santorum said, “Birth control can and should be available if people want to use it. They have a right to use it… I believe the better alternative is abstinence education.”

He continued, “My personal position is well known… I do my best to be a faithful Catholic. My wife and I don’t practice birth control as an article of faith in our church.”

Although it’s not new ground, it appeared to be an attempt to cast his opposition to contraception in less stark terms that don’t turn off independent voters as well as less socially conservative Republicans.

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.